Rotary type ballast removing apparatus



June 2, 1953 K. KERSHAW 2,640,285 ROTARY TYPE BALLAST REMOVING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 20. 1948 6 Sheets-Sheet l Snnentor klv x KARSHA June 2, 1953 K. KE RSHAW 4 ROTARY TYPE BALLAST REMOVING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 20, 1948 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Mm. Y

' 3nventor Mvox Kansnaw Gttornegs June 2, 1953 K. KERSHAW ROTARY- TYPE BALLAST REMOVING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Sept. 20, 1948 V Jnventor Knox K525 I-IRW M {Z Gttomeg;

June 2, 1953 K. KERSHAW ROTARY TYPE BALLAST REMOVING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 20, 1948 INVENTOR. Knox kekslmw K. KERSHAW ROTARY TYPE BALLAST REMOVING APPARATUS June- 2, 1953 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept. 20, 1948 INVENTOR. k-ax Ken sunw M14221;

June 2, 1953 K. KERSHAW ROTARY TYPE BALLAST REMOVING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Sept. 20, 1948 INVENTOR. Knox Ksesunw {W I flrromvavs Patented June 2, 1953 ROTARY TYPE BALLAST REMOVING APPARATUS Knox Kershaw, Birmingham, Ala. Application September 20, 1948, Serial No. 50,160

3 Claims.

My presentinvention relates to ballast working apparatus and more particularly to apparatus for loosening, removing, replacingor packing ballast between cross ties of a railroad track.

An object of my invention is to provide apparatus of the character designated mounted on a vehicle disposed to run along the track and embodying a transverse frame carrying ballast working implements adapted to enter between the cross ties and operate upon the ballast therebetween to remove the same across the entire width of the roadbed, or to replace or tamp ballast which has been previously removed.

Another object of my invention is to provide apparatus for supporting one or a plurality of ballast working tools and embodying a vehie1e disposed to run on the track together with a frame pivoted at one end to the vehicle frame and carrying the ballast working implements at the other end, the pivoted frame embodying means to maintain the end carrying the implements always parallel longitudinally and transversely with respect to the roadbed, whereby the implements are positioned properly for digging in all vertical positions of the end of the pivoted frame.

Another object is to provide apparatus embodying the above features and in which hydraulic means are provided for raising the ballast work ing implement frame, thus clearing the implements from between the cross ties and permitting the apparatus to be moved from space to space between cross ties, together with means to propel the vehicle along the rails.

Another object is to provide apparatus of the character designated in which the implement frame is pivoted intermediate its ends, and in which the prime mover for the vehicle and ballast implements is mounted on the end of the frame opposite the implements thereby to substantially balance the implement frame, whereby a workman standing on the edge of the roadbed may easily raise and lower the implements with respect to the roadbed.

A further object is to provide ballast removing apparatus embodying digging units disposed simultaneously to engage the roadbed between the ties on both sides 'of each of the rails, thus removingballast from between the cross ties across the entire width of the roadbed at one setting of the machine for each space.

A still further object is to provide apparatus embodying the above mentioned counterbalanced implement frame in which auxiliary means is provided for assisting the operator in raising the implement end of the frame-and manually operable controls for the lifting means, whereby the thus to move the apparatus along the rails to the next crosstie space.

Apparatus illustrating the features of my invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application, in Which:

' Fig. 1 is a plan view of one form of my inven-- tion;

Fig. 2 is an end elevational View of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view;

Fig. 4 is a detail perspective view of portions of the framework;

Fig. 5 is a detail fragmental view illustrating the adjustable connection of the lifting means for the pivotally mounted implement frame;

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view of the piping and valve arrangement for controlling the motors and. hydraulic cylinder embodied in my improved apparatus;

Fig. '7 is an enlarged detail sectional view illustrating one of the ballast guides associated with the peripheries of the inner and outer digging units and the rails;

Fig. 8 is an end View of the guides shown in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a plan view of a modified form of apparatus;

Fig. 10 is a side elevational view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a front elevational view of the apparatus shown in Figs. 9 and 10;

Fig. 12 is a detail sectional view illustrating one of the auxiliary'lifting mechanisms connected be tween the vehicle frame and the pivoted implement frame; and,

Fig. 13 is a somewhat diagrammatic view illustrating the controls for the auxiliary lifting mechanism and for the clutch by means of which the vehicle is connected to its driving motor.

Referring now to the drawings for a better understanding of my invention and more particu larly to Figs. 1 to 8, inclusive, my improved ballast removing apparatus comprises a vehicle having longitudinal frame members In, transverse frame members H and I2, and mounted to move along the rails l3 and [4 on flanged wheels I5. The

rails are supported on spaced crossties T. At the rear corners of the vehicle are vertically disposed members I6 secured to the members H] and H by means of angularly disposed braces ii, and cross braced adjacent the top by a member l8.

Pivotally mounted to the upper and lower ends of each of the members It, as at 19 and 2!, are upper and lowerpairs of channel members 22 and 23, forming the longitudinal members of a frame for supporting the digging elements of my improved apparatus. The frame members 22 and 23 at each side are braced by a cross member 24 at the top, and by a cross member 2'6 at the bottom.

Pivotally mounted to the forward ends of. the members 22 and 23 as at 2'! and 28 are vertically disposed links 29 and 3 l. Proiec'ting forwardly of the links 29 and 34 and secured at right angles thereto adjacent the lower end thereof are mem bers 32 and 33. idly secured to the members 29mm] by means of braces 35 and 3%, made fast to the outer ends of the members 32 and and to the upper ends of the links 29 and 3i.

Mounted on a cross member 3'! spanning the members l0, it of the main frame, is a vertically disposed hydraulic cylinder 38. The cylinder 38 is disposed at the transverse center of the vehicle, and embodies the usual piston 38 and piston rod 41, together with a connection 62 adjacent the upper end for admitting and discharging fluid under pressure. At either side of the hydraulic cylinder and supported from the members ll it) are vertical members 43 and 44, cross braced by a member 46. The framework thus formed is braced by angular braces 41 extending rearwardly and secured to the members Ill, It). The piston rod ll is operatively connected to the upper members 22 by means of cables 48 and t9, passing over sets of pulleys SI and 52 mounted in the cross member 46. The cables 48 and 49 are secured to the members 22 through the medium of eye bolts '3, adjustably held to the members 22 by means of nuts54.

From the foregoing description it will be apparent that when pressure is admitted to the upper end of the hydraulic cylinder 38, the piston rod ll moves downwardly,- pulling upwardly on the frame members 22, thus lifting the free end of the upper framework. The members 22 and 23 pivot about the points Ill and El at the rear of the vehicle, and as will be understood, the links 29 and 3| remain vertical due to the pantograph action of the framework. The members 32 and 33, therefore, remain always horizontal in all elevated positions of the upper frame work on which the ballast removing units are mounted, as will later be described.

Secured to the horizontal members 32 and 33 are depending members 55 and 5?. Fastened to the lower ends of the members 56 and 5? is a frame comprising channels 58 and 59 spaced apart and cross connected at the ends across the top by members 61. This assembly of members forms a frame disposed transversely of the rails, parallel with the crossties T supporting the same. The ballast working implements may be digging units for removing the ballast from between the cross ties, and may be mounted on the free end of the transverse frame in the manner now to be described.

Journalled in the center of the transverse frame is a large rotary wheel 62 having digging teeth 63 on the periphery thereof. On the outer end of the frame, position to remove ballast from between the --outer-endsof the crossties are The members 32 and 33 are rigsmaller rotary digging wheels fill, having digging teeth 66 on the periphery thereof. The wheels 62 and 64 are mounted for rotation in bearings 61 and 68. The wheels are all of a width to enter the spaces between the crossties, and the teeth 83 and 66 are disposed to dig the ballast therefrom in the manner to be explained later.

Mounted at each end of the transverse frame are gear boxes 69 and ii. Mounted on top of the gear boxes are fluid motors l2 and "(3, com nected by chains i i and Hi to drive the input shafts l1 and 18 of the gear boxes. As viewed in Fig. '2, the motor 13 and gear box H are connected by a chain l9 to the right hand small diameter wheel 64. The motor 12 and gear box 69 drive the left hand small diameter wheel 64 through a chain 8!, and drive the large diameter wheel 52 through a chain 82. The direction of rotation of the wheels may be as indicated by the arrows, Fig. 2 or the rotation of the wheels may be independently reversed if so desired.

Referring more particularly to Figs. '1 and 3, I have found that the digging and ballast removing functions of the wheels are improved if I provide adjacent the peripheries thereof a plate 83 bent to bridge over the rails as indicated. At either end of the plate 33 I provide shields 8d and 36, extending inwardly, and between which the periphery of the large diameter wheel 82 passes. As shown, the plate 33 is bent upwardly to provide a sloping surface over which thewheel 62 throws the ballast removed from between the crossties, and the side plates 84 and 8 3 tend to confine the loose ballast to the working area of the wheel. I provide one of the plates 83 for each of the rails and preferably secure the same to the cross member l2 by means of a bracket 31.

The entire apparatus may be propelled along the rails is and Ill by means of a fluid motor Bil, driving a gear box 89 through a chain ill. The wheels l5 at the front of the vehicle may be driven through a chain 522 from the gear box 8'9.

Fluid under pressure for operating the hydraulic mechanisms previously described may be furnished by an internal combustion engine 93 driving one pump 94 or a number thereof if neces: sary, and drawing fluid from a reservoir 98. The pressure and return lines from the motors l2, l3 and t3, and the cylinder 38, may be under control of a number of valves 9?, suitably supported on a stand 99, all to be within easy reach of an operators seat 99. The piping diagram is diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 6, and in view of the well- -known arrangement of such systems, no further detailed description is be lieved to be necessary.

From the foregoing, the operation and construction of the embodiment of my improved ballast removing apparatus sofar described may now be readily understood. With the digging wheels rotating, gravity urges the free end of the frame work supporting the wheels downwardly, the same pivoting at the rearend about the pivot points l9 and 21. Due to the pantograph action of the frame embodying the members 22 and 212, the forwardly projecting members 32 and 33 re main always horizontal, andconsequently the wheels 62 and 5!! remain always vertical. They may thus be inserted between the cross ties, and the ballast removed therefrom without the necessity of the operator having to concern himself with vertical alignment of the digging wheels. Having cleaned out from between a given space, theoperator admits pressure to the cylinder '38, pulling downwardly onthe piston rod 4i, thus pivoting the implement frame upwardly to the dotted line position indicated in Fig. 3. This raises the transverse frame comprising the members 58 and 59, together with wheels 52 and 64, whereby the vehicle may be moved to the next space.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. 9 to 13 inclusive, I show a modified form of my invention embodying a vehicle having a frame IM and flanged wheels I02 disposed to run on the rails I3 and I4. The vehicle frame side members are connected by a pair of transverse channels I 03. Mounted vertically on the channels I03 are a pair of members I04, similar to the members I3 previously described. The members I04 may be braced by diagonal members I08 extending from the upper ends of the members I04 to the vehicle frame members IOI.

Extending between the vertical members I84 and rotatably journalled therein is a cross shaft I01. Pivotally mounted on the shaft I01 is an implement frame, substantially similar to the one already described and embodying the upper members I08 and the lower members I 09. The upper members I08 are pivotally connected at III to the vertical members I94, and the lower members I09 are pivotally connected to rock about the shaft I01. The members I09 are extended as indicated at II2 rearwardly of the vehicle, while the forward end of the members I08 and I09 are connected by links I I3 and I I4, similar to the links 29 and 3I. The links carry the diagonal members I I 8 and I I1 and the horizontal members H8 and H9 similar to the members 32 and 33. Likewise, the transverse implement carrying frame is provided and comprises the sets of channels I2I and I22, spaced apart and suitably secured to the members H0 and H9. Rotary digging implements in the form of wheels I23 between the rails I3 and I4, and I24 at the outside of the rails are journalled in suitable bearings I 28 carried by the transverse frame members I 2| and I22.

Mounted on members II2a forming a part of the implement frame is an internal combustion engine I21. The engine is mounted so as to substantially balance the weight of the implement frame, the shaft I01 forming a pivot point. The frame is left slightly unbalanced so that the digging units are urged by gravity toward the roadbed. The engine I 21 drives a variable speed transmission I30 through a clutch I28, and thence a gear box I29 through a clutch I3 I. The clutch I28 is provided with operating lever I35 and the clutch I3I is provided with a manually operated lever I 32 for engaging and disengaging the same.

The gear box I29 has two output shafts I33 and I34 which carry multi-grooved pulleys and I31.

Mounted below the pulleys I36 and I31 and in alignment therewith are other pulleys I38, I39, MI, and I42. The pulleys I38, I39, I4l and I42 are mounted on shafts suitably journalled in bearings carried by cross members I43 and I44 extending across the bottom of the lower members I09 of the implement frame. The shafts I 48 each drive one of the rotary digging units through the medium of a universal joint I 41 and shaft I48 and connecting through a splined tube I49 and a universal joint I5I with the shaft carrying the digging unit. Multiple V-belts I50 connect the pulley I36 with pulleys I38 and I39, while multiple V-belts I52 connect the pulley I31 with pulleys MI and I42.

The power transmission I30 is provided with a 6 powertakeoff-shaft I53 carrying-a pulley I54. The pulley I54 drives the shaft I01 through a Pulley I56 carried by the latter shaft and a V-belt I51. The speed and direction of rotation of the shaft I53 is determined by a setting of the shifter rod I58 of the transmission I30 in the manner understood.

Mounted on the vehicle frame IOI adjacent a side thereof is a speed reduction and reversing ear box I-59having an operating lever NH. The input shaft I62 ofthe gear box I59 is driven by a belt I63 from a pulley I64 on the shaft I01. The output shaft I88 is provided with a pulley I61. The pulley I81 drives a pulley I68 fast on one of th wheels I02 through a belt or chain I69. I 1

In the form of my invention now being described, the operator walks along the edge of the trackway and controls the machine from the forward end adjacent the rotary digging units, where he is in position to watch the unit and correctly position the same at the proper depth between the ties. Accordingly, I mount on the channels I22 0f the transverse frame a pair of operator's handles HI and I12. The operators handles. each embody rotary grip members I13 and I14 each operable to cause axial movement of wires- I16 and I11 associated therewith, in the manner well understood and as commonly employed for the throttle controls on motorcycles and the like. As understood, the wires I13 and I11 ar enclosed within metallic sheathing I18 and I19.

In order to assist the operator in raising the digging unit when it is desired to advance to the next space, I provide between the vehicle frame and the implement frame a pair of cylinders I8I and I82. Each of the cylinders embodies a piston I83 and a piston rod I84. The cylinders are pivotally mounted as at I86 to the vehicle framework IOI and the outer ends of the piston rod are pivotally mounted on pins I81 carried by the lower members I09 of the implement frame. The form of cylinders selected for illustration may be vacuumatic cylinders, and the vacuum may be supplied by a conduit I88 connected to th manifold I89 of the internal combustion engine I21. The conduit I88 is connected by cross conduits I9I and I92 to the cylinders I8I and I 82, respectively. A valve I93 provided with an operating handle I 94 is provided in the conduit I88, and the handle I94 therefor is connected to the Wire I11. By rotating the grip I14, the valve I93 is closed or opened thus to exhaust and admit air to the cylinders I8I and. I82, thereby aiding in lifting the forward end of In order that the operator may move the vehicle from space to space, I connect the wire I16, controlled by the grip I13, to the operating lever IGI of the transmission I59. With the control in the position indicated in Fig. 13, the transmission is in neutral. By moving the lever IGI forwardly responsive to rotation in one direction of the grip I13 the vehicle is moved in one direction along the rails. By moving the handle I8I 1n the opposite direction responsive to opposite rotation of the grip I13, the vehicle is moved in an opposite direction.

From the foregoing the method of constructing and operating that embodiment of my invention Just described, may be readily understood. The implement frame comprising the upper members I08 and lower members I 09, together with the transverse frame members I2I and I22 is pivoted on the shaft I01. With the engine I21 in operation, the operator turns the grip member I13 to the implement frame.

a position to place the lever 1-6] in neutral position so that the shaft IE6 is not driven. The clutch BI is engaged by suitable movement of its lever I32, thereby driving all of the rotating digg'ing units I23 and 124. The operator, grasping the grips H3 and I14 of the handles Hi and H2, is in position to determine accurately the extent to which the diggers act upon theballast between the cross ties, and controls the same by manually raising and pushing downwardly onthe handles. He is aided in lifting the handles by rotating the grip l H to open the valve I93, thereby exerting an upward pull on the piston I83 of the cylinders l-8I and T82. When the operator has cleaned the ballast from between a given space, he raises the implement frame, and then rotates the grip H3, moving the lever I61 and causing rotation of shaft H56 in a selected direction. This action moves the entire vehicle along the rails, and the operator stops the same at the next space by reverse movement of the grip I13 to return lever 16! to neutral position.

While I have shown and described my improved apparatus in both embodiments as'being-especial- 1y adapted for use with rotary type units disposed to enter between the cross ties and remove ballast therefrom, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that my improved apparatus is equally adapted for supporting such tools as tampers, ballast loosening devices, spike drivers, and the like.

In actual operation I have found that a ma chine embodying the features of my invention is entirely satisfactory in every way as the same is simple of construction, positive and trouble-free in operation, and that one opera-tor only is required tooperate thy-device. Likewise, when it is desired to move from job to job, the machine is self-propelled and maybe operated at moderate speed by selecting the proper speedat'the transmission 530.

While 1' have shown my invention in but two forms, it will be obvious to 'thoseskilled in the art that it is not so limited, but-is susceptible of various other changes and modifications, without departing 'irom the spirit thereof, and I desire, therefore that only such limitations shall beplaced thereupon as are specifically set forthin lower members and pivotally connected to a portion of the vehicle frame adjacent their rear ends, the forward ends of all of said members extending substantially to the front of the vehicle, links pivotally connecting the forward ends of said members, a member overhanging the forward end of the vehicle and pivotally connected to the forward ends of the lower members to retain a substantially fixed .angularity with respect to the rails in all positions of the implement frame, a transverse frame carried by the overhanging member, rotar ballast working implements carried by the transverse frame, a prime mover supported from the rear ends of said lower members and disposed to substantially balance the implement frame about its pivot points, means to drive the ballast implements from the prime mover, means to pivot the implement frame on its pivots thereby to raise and lower the implements with respect to the track, and means to connect the prime mover to the vehicle wheels to propel the same along the rails.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim .1 in which the pivot point for said lower members is a rotatable shaft driven from the prime mover, and in which the means to propel the vehicle along the rails includes a power takeoff from said shaft.

3. In apparatus for operating upon ballast between the crossties of a railroad track, a vehicle embodying a frame and disposed to run on the rails, a ballast implement frame pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on the vehicle frame, a tranverse frame carried by one end of the implement frame, ballast working implements on the transverse frame, a prime mover for the vehicle and ballast workingimplements mounted on the implement frame in position to substantially balance the same about the pivot points, a fluid operated cylinder for pivoting the implement frame embodying a piston and piston rod, means pivotally connecting the cylinder and piston rod to the vehicle and implement frames, 9, source of fluid under pressure for moving the piston, a valve controlling the admission and discharge of said fluid to the cylinder, and-a control'in reach of the operator of the apparatus for opening and closing the valve.

KNOX-KERSHAW.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,552,611 Jackson Sept. '8, 1925 1,561,694 Clutter Nov. 17, 1925 2,287,854 Foreman ,et :al. July 16, 1940 2,416,241 Stratton Feb. 18, 1947 2,534,880 Praytor et a1. Dec. .19, 1950 

